Coral Hinged Chama Shell, Chama coaralloides

Coral Hinged Chama Shell, Chama coaralloides. Size: 8.1 cm (3.2 inches) x 5.7 cm (2.2 inches). Shell collected in the along the coast of Bahía Concepción, Baja California Sur, March 2015. Collection, photograph and identification courtesy of Bob Hillis, Ivins, Utah.

The Coral Hinged Chama Shell, Chama coaralloides (Reeve, 1846), is a member of the Chamidae Family of Jewel Boxes. The shell has an ovate profile and has the ability to modify its shape to match the surface to which it is attached. The exterior is spiny, though in larger specimens the spines are often eroded or overgrown. The exterior of the shell is gray to cream in color which the interior is a high distinguishable with a coral red hinge surrounded with deep purple. The Coral Hinged Chama Shell reach a maximum of 8.5 cm (3.3 inches) in length and 6.0 cm (2.4 inches) in height.

The Coral Hinged Charma are found on rock and other hard surfaces, in the intertidal zone to depths up to 25 m (80 feet). They range from Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur to Peru. In the Sea of Cortez, they are found from Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.

A synonym is Chama frondosa.